§ 10. Mr. DAYasked the Home Secretary how many London police constables in the Metropolitan area are occupied on point duty; and can he state the average annual cost of a point-duty policeman in the Metropolitan district?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe number of Metropolitan Police engaged on traffic duty varies from day to day but is at present about 1,300. The average annual cost per man is about £320, including the average cost of pension and all other charges.
§ Captain BRASSWould it not be possible to have permanent men on point duty?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSNo, the view of the Commissioner is that it is desirable that all men should take their turn on different classes of duty, although certain picked men are, of course, arranged for duty at very special points. In regard to the other question, at present my view is that it is essential, certainly in the central parts of London, to have police on point duty and not scouts.
§ Mr. HAYESIs it not, at any rate, a great advantage to the general public to know where they can, in fact, get a policeman at any time, if necessary?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI entirely agree with the hon. Member.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYDoes that mean that a policeman can leave his post?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSOn an urgent occasion a point policeman is available.